Natalie Imbruglia on Silverchair’s shock split

Natalie Imbruglia as the face of Kailis jewellery. Image courtesy of Kailis jewellery

Natalie Imbruglia has opened up about Silverchair’s shock split, speaking for the first time about the breakdown of the band fronted by her ex-husband Daniel Johns.

Imbruglia, the new face of Kailis jewellery, revealed she felt “incredibly sad” when she heard the news in May. “They make phenomenal music together,” Imbruglia, who was married to Johns from 2003 to 2008, told WHO. “Sometimes as an artist you have to feel like it is the end. Do other things and work with other people so you are able to come back to it at some point. Let’s hope and pray it’s not forever.”

In terms of her own commitments, the former judge on talent contest The X Factor says she’s happy to be a viewer when the series returns to screens in August. Imbruglia, 36, insists she was only contracted to do one season and “had a really, really good time,” in the process. Next up for the self-confessed gypsy is another album — having closed up her home in London’s Notting Hill she is seeking songwriting inspiration from her new home in Los Angeles.

And as for her summer romance with Sydney hotelier Justin Hemmes? Imbruglia won’t kiss and tell, but declares herself currently single. “I’ve had .. what do you call them? Liasons? Moments? I’ve had some beautiful moments, but I have yet to meet that special someone that will make me move into that next phase. I am open and hopeful. I still want to fall in love.”

For more on Natalie Imbruglia's new LA life grab this week's WHO magazine, on sale Friday July 1.